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12.1.16

Fez and The London Tavern

It seems like there's something new opening every week in our town right now. Galleries, shops, restaurants and bars are popping up all over the place and it's really exciting to see. Whether you're looking for somewhere to feel warm and contented during the winter months or for a sunny balcony to sip your cocktails on in the summer, there are lots of great places to go for drinks in Margate. I'm a big fan of the micro-pubs here, particularly The Two Halves and The Harbour Arms. Two of my favourite new businesses that have both just opened are micro-pub Fez, and not-so-micro-pub,
The London Tavern.

The building that Fez now occupies looked abandoned for a long time. It was a sad reminder of the decline of the town's high street. Formerly a greeting card shop and unable to survive difficult times, the venue has since been revived and is now a unique place to go for drinks. Decorated with restored and upcycled vintage/retro furniture (we love a bit of that in Margs), Fez is a cosy and colourful place to go for £3-a-pint cider and beer.

The main reason I like Fez so much is because of it's interior design. There are some rather random objects about, that are used in very inventive ways to provide seating, tables and decoration. It really has it's own quirky identity and I can see it being a perfect place for creative types to descend. It's fantastic to have another great business for the high street in particular; an area that still needs considerable attention.

Find it at 40 High Street, Margate.

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Over to The London Tavern, opposite Margate's Theatre Royal. Unlike Fez, this place has been the site of public houses since the 1850's. More like your typical Kentish pub, it's large, has lots of drinks available, a roaring fire and a sprinkling of hops around the bar. There's always a warm welcome, the prices are reasonable and good news; they've now started serving food. The Sunday roast menu looks particularly glorious!

There are three rooms in the wood-floored London Tavern; each offering something slightly different depending on your mood. You can be cosy on a Chesterfield in a bright red room, relax by the fire in the bar area (sometimes there's a cute dog to go 'aww' at), or if with a large group, venture down the steps into a more spacious room with customised furniture and dreamy copper beer taps to admire. There's no pretense; people of all ages will feel perfectly comfortable sipping on their drinks here. It's a friendly venue that will suit everyone. I'm really pleased that The London has opened as I think Margate has needed a new non-micro pub for a while. The owners have re-imagined a venue that has stood for a very long time and it's a real gem.